Asthma UK's comment on annual update to data, revealed by the Office for National Statistics today (19 July 2017)

Date: 19 July 2017

The number of asthma related deaths in men is the highest it has been since 2004, according to data revealed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today.

The data, produced annually, shows that between January to December 2016 394 asthma deaths were recorded in men, compared to 364 in 2015.

The report shows that across the population as a whole, the number of asthma related deaths has fallen by five percent in the last year from 1,302 to 1,237. However, the number is still higher than the 15-year average.

Asthma UK is concerned that this number is higher than the 15-year average and is calling for action to be taken to reduce the number of preventable asthma deaths.

Every day, the lives of three families are devastated by the death of a loved one to an asthma attack, and tragically two thirds of these deaths are preventable.

Two-thirds of people with asthma aren’t receiving basic care and only 42% of people with asthma have a written asthma action plan, despite being four times more likely to end up in hospital without one.

There were 19 recommendations made as a result of the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) report which would help to reduce avoidable risk and deaths. Only one has been implemented.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive at Asthma UK, said: “Every hospitalisation, every flare up of asthma, and every time a reliever inhaler is issued is an opportunity to prevent future harm but this is not going to happen unless we take a new approach to asthma care.

“It is unacceptable that three years after NRAD only one recommendation has been implemented.

“We must take advantage of new asthma digital health solutions to transform the way asthma care is delivered and support self-management. Digital asthma action plans, smart inhalers, and automated GP alerts are just some of the ways asthma care could be brought up to date and help reduce the risk of potentially fatal asthma attacks.”

Asthma currently accounts for 2-3% of primary care consultations at a cost of £160 million each year, but improved asthma health would lead to a reduction in routine GP appointments needed, saving the NHS both time and money.

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

Every day, the lives of three families are devastated by the death of a loved one to an asthma attack, and tragically two thirds of these deaths are preventable.

Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack.

The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800.